I love that quote. Less self-focus, more self-less focus.  And its the heartbeat of thankfulness. It breathes into me an attitude of more grace, of more gratitude. It gives me clearer vision of the small things that are undeniably important. It causes me to stop, and breathe, and see what’s happening in and around my life and not my schedule.

Like so many, I also proclaim this day all about the goodness of the Lord Jesus. This life hasn’t been easy, I still long, and feel, and live within confusion and the broken mess of myself. And yet, it is all put to rest, if even just for a moment, in light of who Jesus is - the author and giver of every good thing. It's doesn't necessarily take away or diminish the pain, disappointment or confusion we all experience, but for just a moment it makes the impossible sit at rest. Looking at Jesus reminds me that despite it all, there is victory, there is hope, there is freedom. And it's deep, profound, like we are apart of something bigger and grander than ourselves, than our own stories. His goodness, our thankfulness, puts our souls within it all. 

I have richness. That’s been my hit word over the last months – rich. There is undeniable depth in my life at the moment. A fullness that i can' explain, but the source is undeniable. This is what i means to live within the freedom of Jesus. This is why surrendering is the best way of life, and I pray this next year teaches me to be more vulnerable, to experience the joy that surrender brings more. 

I'm thankful that He is teaching my heart more about rest. About less doing, about more receiving the richness of life in Jesus. About the power of the Gospel that is at work within me. Embracing this is a rhythm learned, counter intuitive, hard, sometimes discouraging, and completely worth it. Its teaching me to dwell in relationship, to be more vulnerable and open. It teaches me to spend more time around the table, more time investing in the lives around me. To eat more slowly, to enjoy more early morning walks, to stop and see the graceful nature living and moving all around me. 

Thanksgiving teaches me of the faithfulness of our loving God who is working in the undercurrents. In midst of all our doubts. He is changing, renewing, making us more whole, and it's often in the hidden, secret, deep places in our souls first. In thanksgiving, I hear his gracious call to come to him with all pain, sorrow, and joy. He understands, and better yet, willingly shoulders the load alongside us, even for us. 

Thanksgiving reminds me that there is an alternative way of living - another rhythm to dance, or move in or shuffle through. Our fleshly nature encourages us to look inwardly. The spirit encourages us to look outwardly, encourages us to look directly at the power, and person and works of Jesus, and in that we are given blessed freedom. Freedom from the mess we are, or live in, or have been forced to walk within. 

I’m learning this Thanksgiving thing. I am grateful for a day to reflect on this journey, a day set apart to simply focus on all we’ve been given. I am thankful that the way of thankfulness aligns my heart with the Father's love for me.